Oscars push for more gender and ethnical diversity
The organisers of the Oscars have invited a record number of new members to vote in next year's Academy Awards, in response to criticism of a lack of diversity at this year's ceremony. Nearly 700 people were invited, with a focus on women and ethnic minorities. Almost half the people who have been asked to join are women and almost as many people of colour. For the second year in a row, all the nominees at February's 88th Academy Awards were white, sparking an outcry. The protests led to an unprecedented debate about racial equality in the film industry - characterised on social media by the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite - and caused several Hollywood stars to boycott the awards ceremony. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences then agreed to a shake up of its membership - traditionally seen as old, white and male - to bring in more women and members of ethnic minorities. The new invitees include actors John Boyega of Star Wars, Emma Watson of Harry